A bench in the bones

One of the circumstances that most caught the attention ofl Real Sociedad-Barça in the semifinals of the Super Cup is that the txuri-urdin had better alternatives on the bench than the azulgranas. By comparing two players who move in the same position, the difference between what Januzaj gave Real Sociedad in extra time and what Trincao contributed when he came out to replace Braithwaite. Basically nothing.

Despite the fact that the game was tremendously demanding, Koeman only made one change in the first 90 minutes. Precisely, Trincao. Then, when he had no choice, he introduced Pjanic and Riqui Puig through Busquets and Pedri, busted. The Bosnian and Matadepera scored their penalties, but did not make a great extension. In a game that required control, they committed serious turnovers in areas that benefited the Real's transition and that, incidentally, Koeman did not like at all. They were not well placed.

With Piqué, Dest, Sergi Roberto, Coutinho or Ansu injured, plus the final absence of Messi, The Dutchman has run out of wardrobe bottoms and without a waist to improvise changes for the team. Koeman, was loaded with reasons for Barça, through the Manager or the new president on the 24th, to make an effort to strengthen the team. Among other things, because injuries like those of Piqué, Ansu or Coutinho are long lasting. Sergi Roberto hopes to return at the end of January and the only players who can join soon are Dest and Messi.

Koeman has a plan. Eric García and Depay are your preferences and time has loaded him with reasons with Wijnaldum, the Liverpool midfielder. The three, one per line, end their contract and have given the green light to their signings. But the economic situation of the club does not invite optimism to the Dutch, who is in a very compromised situation. Without signings and with the infirmary filling up, against the Real he made an exercise of pride and survival. But with that it will not reach you every day.